Definition

Reasons for Procedure

Circumcision may be done for cultural or religious reasons. It is usually done during the
first few days of life. Circumcision may be done on older boys as a treatment for medical problems. Problems may include foreskin that is too tight or foreskin that cannot retract.

Anesthesia

Description of Procedure

The anesthesia will be given. After your child is asleep, the foreskin will be pulled away from the penis. The foreskin may have some areas attached to the head of the penis. The doctor will cut these attachments. The excess foreskin will then be cut away. If needed, stitches may be placed to stop bleeding.

Petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment will be smeared on the penis. A bandage may be applied.

Immediately After Procedure

Your child will be monitored in a recovery room.

How Long Will It Take?

Less than one hour

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. Your child will be given medication to relieve pain or soreness during recovery.

Post-procedure Care

There may be swelling of the penis. A clear scab may also develop over the area. The penis should heal within 7-10 days of the circumcision.

At Home

It is important to keep your child’s penis clean while the circumcision heals. Follow these steps to promote good healing:

If there is a bandage, follow your doctor's instructions on when to remove it. In general, replace the dressing after your child uses the bathroom for the first 36-48 hours after surgery.

After the dressing has been removed, keep the penis clean with mild soap and water.

Supportive underwear may keep your child more comfortable.

If instructed, apply antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the area

Your child may have some discomfort while urinating for the first few days. Use pain medication as prescribed.

Call Your Doctor

It is important to monitor your child's recovery. Alert your child's doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your child's doctor:

The penis or the area of the incision appears red, swollen, or is hot to the touch

Incision or penis is oozing a yellowish discharge after 3-5 days—some discharge is normal in first few days

Fever

Pain is not controlled by the medication your child has been given

The head of the penis is blue or black

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Caring for your son's penis. American Academy of Pediatrics Healthy Children website. Available at:
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/Caring-For-Your-Sons-Penis.aspx. Updated March 29, 2013. Accessed May 13, 2013.

Circumcision.
American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/pregnancy-newborns/caring-for-newborns/infant-care/circumcision.html. Updated December 2010. Accessed March 13, 2013.

Circumcision. American Academy of Pediatrics Healthy Children website. Available at:
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/decisions-to-make/Pages/Circumcision.aspx. Updated May 2, 2013. Accessed May 13, 2013.